DEVELOPING ENVIRONMENTALLY AWARE YOUTH - 2021-22 OUTDOOR EDUCATION YMCA OF THE ROCKIES Teacher Planning Guide Snow Mountain Ranch
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DEVELOPING
ENVIRONMENTALLY
AWARE YOUTH
2021-22 OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Teacher Planning Guide
Snow Mountain Ranch
YMCA OF THE ROCKIES
1 YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch
Dear Teachers and Administrators,
Thank you for inquiring about Snow Mountain Ranch, YMCA of the Rockies for your outdoor education experience!
Our staff is very excited to meet you and your students. We hope to provide you with an enjoyable and educational
field trip!
This guide was created to assist teachers who are planning an outdoor education experience with us. Our program is
flexible, which allows you to create an experience that will best meet the needs of your students. Our standard
months are May during the spring season, September in our fall season, and the winter months of January-March, so
please schedule accordingly. It’s best to schedule at least a year in advance. There will be time during your stay with
us to rebook for next year.
Snow Mountain Ranch is located near Granby, Colorado at an elevation of about 9,000 feet. We are 90 miles from the
Colorado capital of Denver. Our center boasts 5,200+ acres of forested mountain land, which makes for an ideal out-
door classroom. Our beautiful location and close proximity to Front Range communities, combined with talented,
highly trained staff make our program a great choice for your Outdoor Education Trip.
Our program blends scientific inquiry with hands-on exploration while meeting Colorado Academic Standards. Class-
room content is designed for the 5th-8th grade level. We also are able to modify our classes for kindergarten
through 12th grade. At YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch, students are able to see the effects of active
beaver colonies, observe the changing forest, perform scientific studies of waterways, work together to build team-
work, learn some history of Colorado, learn songs around a campfire and so much more! We invite you to join us for
a fun-filled outdoor educational experience!
This guide contains very important information that will help you organize a successful experience. Please read the
entire guide whether it’s your very first trip or your 20th! Please use the Class and Recreation Activities Request
worksheet for your requests. There are letters to your teachers and chaperones and a packing list with suggestions of
what to bring and what not to bring. Any materials in this guide may be duplicated. All adults involved in the experi-
ence should be provided with this information. This packet is also available online. Open communication, organiza-
tion, and planning are critical for an enjoyable and educational experience, for both you and your students. We are
here to help in anyway possible; feel free to communicate any needs or concerns with us! We can be contacted
through email at
tanderson@YMCARockies.org or by phone at (970) 887-2152, extension 4292.
Further information can be provided by requesting a school visit from
our staff. The Outdoor Education Coordinator or staff are able to visit
your school, show some materials seen in our classes and allow time
for questions. Check the availability for an orientation with the Out-
door Education Coordinator.
We look forward to having a wonderful experience with you and your
students here at YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch!
Sincerely,
Tim Anderson
2 YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch
Table of Contents
Making a Reservation 4
Lodging and Dining Information 5
Recreation Opportunities 6-7
Classes 8-10
Adventure 8
Teambuilding 8
Ecology & Science 9
Night Activities 10
Winter 10
Colorado Academic Standards 11-12
Sample Schedule 13
Price List 14
Teacher and Chaperone Expectations 15
Medical and First Aid 15
Fire and Evacuation Procedures 15
Late Arrivals and No Shows 15
Class and Recreation Activities Form 16
Letter to Teacher and Chaperones 17
Packing List 18
Student Liability Waivers 19
3 YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch
Making a Reservation
To make reservations that will include lodging and meals please follow these steps. Day Groups see note at bottom.
1. Pick the dates and times that you would like to bring your group.
Please have back up dates in mind. If you are planning a spring trip please have dates in April, May, and June in mind, as
May fills up very fast. Also for the fall please pick dates in September and October. We can also accommodate groups
that are interested in coming in the winter (see winter class options).
2. Contact Ashley Machalek, Group Sales Representative, for availability of lodging at (888) 848-9622 or email at
amachalek@ymcarockies.org.
Our Outdoor Education Group Sales Representative, Ashley Machalek will need the total number of people staying at the
YMCA with a break down of students and adults. To determine how many instructors your school will need, we divide
the number of students by 15. Ideal class sizes are 10 to 15 students. Keeping classes small ensures quality. After availa-
bility is checked, reservations for lodging will be made through Group Sales. Group Sales will confirm reservations with
the Outdoor Education Coordinator. At this time your dates and number of instructors needed will be reserved and they
will send you a contract for the lodging and meals.
3. Pay deposit and sign and return the contract for lodging and meals.
They can be contacted at (970) 887-2152 ext. 4128 or emailed to adegginger@ymcarockies.org.
4. Contact the Outdoor Education Coordinator to schedule your classes and recreation activities.
Once you’ve been in contact with the Reservations department, you may contact the OE Coordinator at (970) 887-2152
ext.4292 or email tanderson@ymcarockies.org to schedule your classes and activities. The Class and Recreation Activi-
ties Worksheet is located on page 16 to assist you in this process.
5. Turn in student numbers, schedule change requests and cancellations.
Student numbers, schedule changes and cancellations, need to be completed or turned in to the Outdoor Education
Coordinator at least two weeks prior to your arrival here at the YMCA.
*DAY GROUPS - Please skip steps 2 - 4.
Important Reservation Note:
When rebooking for the next year, it is our policy to try to reserve a comparable date for the next year. However, occa-
sionally dates are open for one year only, and the same date the next year cannot be promised. Any school rebooking
can request different dates for the next year, therefore we have a first-come, first-served policy in which the first school
to book the dates are guaranteed those dates. It is important to rebook as early as possible, a year in advance is recom-
mended. Rebooking for the next year on the last day of your visit is a good idea. School schedule changes and chang-
es in staff training change yearly so flexibility is appreciated.
4 YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch
Lodging Information
Outdoor Education groups typically stay in the Aspenbrook and Silver Sage Lodges. Silver Sage room includes 1 queen
bed, 2 sets of bunked beds, private bath, telephones in hallway and fire alarm with sprinkler system. Aspenbrook rooms
include 2 queens, 1 set of bunk beds, private bath, telephones in hallway and fire alarm with sprinkler system. Towels
and linens are provided. Most groups will have 5 people per room (4 in bunk beds and one in double bed). Check-in
occurs after 3:00pm. Check-out occurs at or before 10:00am. Luggage storage is available upon request.
Lodging costs start at $45.80 per student, this includes three meals and a meeting space. The cost is the same for chap-
erones and teachers.
Dining Room Schedule and Procedures
Breakfast is served from 7:00am to 9:00am
Lunch is from 11:30am to 1:00pm
Evening meal is from 5:00pm to 7:30pm
While you are staying at the YMCA of the Rockies you will be eating your meals in our dining rooms. It is a “self-
bussing” cafeteria, which means each person is responsible for making sure that the tables are completely clean and all
trays, silverware, plates, bowls, cups, and trash are taken to the Trash and Tray area of the room. Having a student at
each table that is responsible for double checking trash and tray return is a great way we’ve seen schools help. We
thank you for your help!
Students and adults alike must sit with your school group, and we ask that there be at least one adult seated at every
two tables with students. Teachers, please be present and aware of your students at all times in the dining room.
There is no running or horse play at any time. You will be sharing the dining room with other schools and guests. We
want them to enjoy their meal as much as you enjoy yours. (Make it fun: Quietest table can get dessert first! Etc.)
Feel free to eat as much as you want, but please only take as much as you think you can eat. You can always go back for
seconds.
5 YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch
Recreation Opportunities Outdoor education groups can utilize the indoor swimming pool, roller-skating rink, gymnasium, fire rings and mini golf. The times available for OE groups are limited and bookings are made on a first-come, first-served basis. We limit groups to only 1 hour per activity per 60-80 students depending on the activity. We will schedule a second session if needed to accommodate all of your students. To make reservations, please contact the Outdoor Education Coordinator at (970) 887-2152 ext 4292. Swimming : Our indoor swimming pool is open year-round outside of normal maintenance/cleaning times. The pool capacity is 80 (includes all people on the deck). It can be reserved for private time with 1 hour per group. If your group is larger than 80, groups can reserve the pool for 2 hours with half of the students in the pool for 1hr intervals. If a school wishes more than the complimentary amount of time in the pool they may add sessions for $150.00/hr. POOL RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE POOL Please arrive at your scheduled time. If your group is scheduled for two one-hour times, there is no combining your group times. Each group must come separately in order to hold to our swimmer to lifeguard ratios. Have your group wait in the Lobby area and the lifeguards will give the rules from there. Please make sure your entire group is present before the lifeguards go over the rules, this is to ensure the safety of all swimmers. We do not loan out swimsuits from lost and found to students or chaperones. Please make sure that all students, teach- ers and chaperones come prepared to swim in appropriate swimwear. Towels are provided, one per person. Chaperones must remain in the pool area during swim time and after to make sure every swimmer is supervised by a school staff member. Chaperones are expected to be proactive in observing students in the pool– lifeguards cannot life- guard and be social mediators. Please walk through the locker rooms to make sure they are clean and all of your lost and found is collected. If necessary, we will let you know in advance that the pool may have had to shut down due to lightning in the area, me- chanical failure, or the presence of blood/diarrhea/vomit in the pool. RULES 1. Take a FULL shower (Colorado health code) 2. No shoes on deck 3. No running 4. Only one person in the noodle squares at the bottom of the climbing wall and slide 5. No diving well (this has been pre-arranged with the Outdoor Education department) 6. Children under 12 will need to pass a swim test before being allowed in the deep end. If a child does not take or fails the swim test, he or she must stay in the shallow end of the pool. 7. A child that does not pass or does not take the swim test must wear a life vest at all times and remain in the shallow end of the pool 8. No hanging or sitting on deep-end rope 9. No food/candy/gum/drinks 10. No cameras/video cameras/underwater cameras 6 YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch
Recreation Opportunities Continued...
Kiva Center Gymnasium/Roller Skating Rink:
The gym and roller skating rink are located in the Kiva Center. Your group can have access to both areas when open
and available.
The gym has a basketball and volleyball court available and we have enough roller skates to accommodate approxi-
mately 45 skaters at a time.
Mini Golf :
The outdoor mini-golf has 2 courses. We have an 18-hole course and a 9-hole course designed for younger golfers
(6” holes). Mini Golf is not open in the winter.
Campfire Ring (school-ran):
Your group can reserve a campfire ring for an evening program on your own. Groups are responsible for purchasing
wood at our Front Desk and extinguishing the fire at the end of your program. These items can be charged to your
group account by the group leader.
Other Recreation Opportunities You Can Schedule for Your Group :
Visit the Craft Shop, self guided hikes on our many trails, outdoor basketball courts and sand volleyball courts,
horseback riding with Snow Mountain Stables and hay rides. If you are interested in doing any of these, please men-
tion this to the Outdoor Education Coordinator.
Summer Tubing Hill (Open Memorial Day– September 30th)
Our Summer Tubing Hill is a HUGE hit for our summertime guests. If your school is visiting SMR between the dates
listed above, please feel free to inquire about availability. Just like the swimming pool, the first hour is FREE!
7 YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain RanchOED CLASSES
YMCA of the Rockies’ Outdoor Education Department takes education, curriculum and state standards very seriously.
We work to update our curriculum to meet your school’s needs and the Colorado Academic Standards. We pride our-
selves in having high quality educational programs. Depending on the length of your stay, you may participate in sev-
eral class sessions that cover a wide range of educational programs. Below are brief descriptions of each class offered,
with state graduate competencies listed below. There’s also a cross-reference found at the end of this section.
Adventure
Teambuilding
These activities present your participants with group problem solving situations where they will be required to com-
municate, trust, support, plan, and be persistent in order to solve the task at hand. Classes may be conducted using our
low ropes course, or any indoor or outdoor location. This course may involve balancing on wires, lifting, or other exam-
ples of physical activities. Chaperones may be asked to spot these activities as well as support the group dynamics.
Archery
Conducted inside our indoor archery range in the winter, and outdoors in the summer; participants will learn the basics
of archery. Teachers will explain the basics of how to perform a proper shot with a bow, as well as the parts of the bow
and arrows. Participants will learn about safety considerations and responsibility used during this activity.
Climbing Wall
Using our 30 foot indoor climbing wall or outdoor climbing tower, participants will be instructed in safety techniques
and equipped with climbing gear. In this “challenge by choice” activity, students will decide how far to push themselves.
Our instructors will teach climbing technique and encourage growth in overcoming challenges. Group dynamics will
also be taught as students learn to support each other’s choices.
High Challenge Course (Fall Season)
Our high ropes course has a variety of obstacles, 30 feet in the air, designed to promote group cooperation and individ-
ual achievement. Participants will navigate through the course with proper climbing gear while our trained staff pro-
vides support and encouragement. Students will learn to support each other as challenges are overcome.
Orienteering
Find your way through natural terrain with the use of a map and compass! Participants will learn the basics of using the
compass as a navigational tool. They will learn what cardinal directions are and how to find a bearing using a map and
compass and a topographic map. Then, they will test their skills by using only those tools to navigate our Orienteering
Outdoor Living Skills
Students will learn the importance of outdoor skills as well as responsibility for each other and their surroundings.
They will gain knowledge of Leave No Trace ethics, as well as proper camp setup and breakdown. All classes will learn
how to properly setup and breakdown all aspects of a camp, including shelter, cooking areas, and latrines.
Survival
Students will learn the basics of what to do in a survival situation. They will learn about the ten essentials as well as
how to think in an emergency situation using tools like STOP, and the Rules of Three. Students will also learn proper
shelter building in the wild using only natural resources.
8 YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain RanchZip Line (depending on season)
Always the most popular activity of the trip, come check out our Forest Zip-Line! Students will overcome personal chal-
lenges as they climb up a pole or ladder, and step off the platform to embark on a zip line ride through the air. Stu-
dents will use proper climbing equipment and learn to support each other in an adventurous and exciting activity.
Ecology and Science
Beaver Ecology
Students will learn about certain physical and behavioral adaptations of beavers. They learn about behaviors, such as
living in a colony, building lodges, dam construction, and why beaver’s look the way they do. They will learn the bea-
ver’s impact on the environment, and the beaver’s relationship with humans.
Forest Ecology
Students hike and learn about the forest ecosystem sur-
rounding Snow Mountain Ranch. They learn about pro-
ducers and consumers, predator and prey relationships,
the food web, how humans impact these complex systems
and the fight for resources within an ecosystem.
Water Ecology
Students will explore Snow Mountain Ranch’s water envi-
ronment with hands-on collecting and observing of aquat-
ic life. Students will also learn the importance of under-
standing our watershed system in Colorado.
Gold Rocks
This class is a great introduction to Earth Science topics. Students will learn the rock cycle and what types of rocks are
present on our property. They will also learn about the history of our on-site gold mine!
Pioneering
Through the Rowley Homestead, located on our ranch, the students will learn about homesteading and life in the Rocky
Mountains in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.
Tracking
Participants will use techniques to help them better understand general animal track patterns. Participants will become
familiar with a variety of signs that a variety of animals may leave, as well as how humans have used them to hunt
throughout our history. Finally, participants will try to track each other by using a combination of the skills they have
learned.
Community
In this class, students will learn some basic expectations for their trip using 4 of our Core Values as a guide: Respect,
Responsibility, Honesty, Caring. They will also do some basic teambuilding and bonding activities such as designing
and making their team flag. This is an excellent class to begin the trip with!
9 YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain RanchNight Activities
Mock Olympics
Students will enjoy a series of silly Olympic-like events allowing friendly competition and enjoyment for the group.
Games like dizzy-bat races and marshmallow shot put will be entertainment for the evening.
Night Hike
Students learn about the nighttime environment on Snow Mountain Ranch. They will learn how their eyes adapt to
the night and will be encouraged to use other senses to help navigate on the hike. Night hikes are very well super-
vised and safety precautions are strictly enforced. Hiking routes are chosen carefully to be easily navigated by our tar-
get age groups. No flashlights are allowed!
Campfire Program
Led by our energetic and creative staff, the campfire sessions at Snow Mountain Ranch are a chance for your kids to
celebrate, laugh, act, sing and have a blast overall! Our staff leads kids in sing-a-longs and perform hilarious skits uti-
lizing kids and teachers for players. This is a great opportunity for teachers and chaperones to make s’mores.
Winter-Only Activities
Winter Survival
We adapt our Survival class to the winter! Students will learn about the ten essentials, thought processes to remain
calm in an emergency, and shelter building. Students will need to be prepared to be in the cold, as they will spend a
large portion of the class working on their snow caves.
Snowshoeing
Students will learn some of the history behind snowshoeing and then try it themselves as the group explores the prop-
erty in the winter. Snowshoes provided.
Nordic Skiing
Snow Mountain Ranch boasts one of the largest Nordic Centers in the state with over 100km of ski trails. Students will
receive a lesson from a highly-qualified Nordic Staff and then they’ll have the opportunity to
put their skills to the test!
Snow Science
Students will learn about snow formation, different types of snow, and how snowfall affects
snowpack. Snowpack affects the possibility of avalanches, which will also be discussed. This
class is best taught outside so make sure students are dressed warm!
Snow Tubing
Dress warm and come play in the snow! This recreation class will be conducted by our staff on our tubing hill. Also,
build snowmen and make snow angels! Class can be conducted as an evening activity as well. Tubes provided.
10 YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain RanchColorado Academic Standards and Outdoor Education Curriculum
YMCA of the Rockies
Grade Level Content Area Standard Grade Level Expectations OE class
Eighth Grade
Use geographic tools to analyze
Social Studies: Geogra- SS09-GR.8-S.2- patterns in human and physical Orienteering
phy GLE.1 systems.
SS09-GR.8-S.2- Conflict and cooperation occur over
Forest Ecology
GLE.2 space and resources.
Human activities can deliberately
Water Ecology,
SC09-GR.8-S.2- or inadvertently alter ecosystems
Forest Ecology
Science: Life Science GLE.1 and their resiliency.
Organisms reproduce and transmit
genetic information (genes) to off-
Beaver Ecology
SC09-GR.8-S.2- spring, which influences individual's
GLE.2 traits in the next generation.
Earth has a variety of climates de-
fined by average temperature, pre-
cipitation, humidity, air pressure Gold Rocks
Science: Earth Systems SC09-GR.8-S.3- and wind that have changed over
Science GLE.2 time in a particular location.
Seventh Grade
Use geographic tools to gather data
Orienteering, Out-
Social Studies: Geogra- SS09-GR.7-S.2- and make geographic inferences
door Living Skills
phy GLE.1 and predictions.
SS09-GR.7-S.2- Regions have different issues and Water Ecology,
GLE.2 perspectives. Forest Ecology
Individual organisms with certain
traits are more likely than others to Beaver Ecology,
SC09-GR.7-S.2- survive and have offspring in a spe- Forest Ecology
Science: Life Science GLE.1 cific environment.
Photosynthesis and cellular respira-
tion are important processes by
Forest Ecology
SC09-GR.7-S.2- which energy is acquired and uti-
GLE.4 lized by organisms.
Answering a research question logi-
cally begins with obtaining and ana-
Water Ecology
Reading, Writing and RWC09.GR.7-S.4- lyzing information from a variety of
Communicating GLE.1 sources.
Colorado standards were taken from the Colorado Department of Education’s graduate competencies website and
adapted from the 2012 Colorado Environmental Education Plan. (http://www.cde.state.co.us/sitoolkit/
DesignTools.htm)
11 YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain RanchYMCA of the Rockies
Grade Level Content Area Standard Grade Level Expectations OE class
Sixth Grade Social Studies: Geogra- SS09-GR.6-S.2- Use geographic tools to solve prob- Orienteering,
phy GLE.1 lems. Outdoor Living Skills
Human and physical systems vary Beaver Ecology,
SS09-GR.6-S.2-
and interact. Forest Ecology
GLE.2
Changes in environmental condi-
Water Ecology,
tions can affect the survival of indi-
Forest Ecology,
SC09-GR.6-S.2- vidual organisms, populations and
Beaver Ecology
Science: Life Science GLE.1 entire species.
Organisms interact with each other
and their environment in various
ways that create a flow of energy Forest Ecology
SC09-GR.6-S.2- and cycling of matter in an ecosys-
GLE.2 tem.
Complex interrelationships exist
between Earth's structure and nat-
Gold Rocks
SC09-GR.6-S.3- ural processes that over time are
Science: Earth Systems GLE.1 both constructive and destructive.
Water on Earth is distributed and
circulated through oceans, glaciers, Gold Rocks, Water
SC09-GR.6-S.3- rivers, ground water and the at- Ecology
GLE.2 mosphere.
Earth's natural resources provide
the foundation for human society's
physical needs. Many natural re- Forest Ecology,
sources are nonrenewable on hu- Gold Rocks
SC09-GR.6-S.3- man time scales, while others can
GLE.3 be renewed or recycled.
Participate in activities that require
Teambuilding, High
PE-Movement, compe- PE09-GR.6-S.1- problem solving, cooperation, skill
Challenge Course
tence and understanding GLE.2 assessment and teambuilding.
Fifth Grade
Use various geographic tools and
Social Studies: Geogra- SS09-GR.5-S.2- sources to answer questions about Orienteering
phy GLE.1 the geography of the United States.
Earth and sun provide a diversity of
Science: Earth Systems SC09-GR.5-S.3- renewable and nonrenewable re- Forest Ecology
Science GLE.1 sources.
Earth's surface changes constantly
Gold Rocks, For-
SC09-GR.5-S.3- through a variety of processes and
est Ecology
GLE.2 forces.
Choose to participate cooperatively Teambuilding, Ar-
and productively in group and indi- chery, Zip Line, High
vidual physical activities. Challenge Course
Health and PE: Emotional PE09-GR.5-S.3-
and Social Wellnes GLE.2
12 YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain RanchSample Schedule
Below is a sample itinerary, which you will receive with your contract after making your reservation and talking with
the Outdoor Education Coordinator.
Colorado Elementary School planned a 3 day trip with 60 students, therefore they were split into 5 groups to keep
class sizes under 15. They took Forest Ecology, Teambuilding, Water Ecology, Pioneering, Zip Line, Gold Rocks, and
Orienteering. Class groups typically meet at either their lodge or the Commons Cafeteria. During the evening, they
have planned early evening free time, with their evening activities following. All of our classes are two hours long,
and evening programming lasts for one hour.
Colorado Elementary 2016
School Contact: Jane Doe Day 1-Wed, May 11 Day 2-Thurs, May 12
YMCA Contact: Tim Anderson 11:30am-Arrive and store luggage 7:30am-Breakfast @ Commons
Meeting Place: Commons 11:45am-Lunch @ Commons /Bag Lunch 8:00am-Class Rotation 3
Number of Students: 60 12:30pm-Orientation @ Lodge 10:00am-Class Rotation 4
1:00pm-Class Rotation 1 12:00pm-Lunch @ Commons
3:00pm-Class Rotation 2 1:00pm-Class Rotation 5
5:00pm-Return to Lodge 3:00pm-Class Rotation 6
5:30pm-Dinner @ Commons 5:00pm-Return to Lodge
6:30pm-Recreation in Kiva and Pool 5:30pm-Dinner @ Commons
8:00pm-Night Hike 6:30pm-Recreation in Kiva and Pool
8:00pm-Campfire @ IP Ring
Day 3-Friday, May 13
7:30am-Breakfast @ Commons*
*Check out of lodging by 10:00am 8:00am-Class Rotation 7
Luggage storage upon request 11:30am-Lunch @ Commons
12:30pm-Depart Snow Mountain Ranch
Check with your conference staff member about meal plans and eating at the commons.
Class A B C D E
1 Forest Ecology Teambuilding Zip Line Orienteering Water Ecology
2 Pioneering Forest Ecology Teambuilding Zip Line Orienteering
3 Gold Rocks Pioneering Forest Ecology Teambuilding Zip Line
4 Water Ecology Gold Rocks Pioneering Forest Ecology Teambuilding
5 Orienteering Water Ecology Gold Rocks Pioneering Forest Ecology
6 Zip Line Orienteering Water Ecology Gold Rocks Pioneering
7 Teambuilding Zip Line Orienteering Water Ecology Gold Rocks
13 YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain RanchOED Class and Recreation Activities Price List
To assist you in planning your school’s trip, we have included a pricing sheet for all classes and recreation activities.
Class Time Cost Available in Winter?
Adventure
Teambuilding 2 hours $4.00 /student Yes
Archery 2 hours $4.00 /student Yes
Climbing Wall 2 hours $4.00 /student Yes
High Challenge Course 2 hours $6.00 /student No
Orienteering 2 hours $3.00 /student Yes
Survival 2 hours $3.00 /student Yes
Zip Line 2 hours $6.00 /student No
Ecology and Science
Beaver Ecology 2 hours $3.00 /student No
Forest Ecology 2 hours $3.00 /student Yes
Water Ecology 2 hours $3.00 /student No
Gold Rocks 2 hours $3.00 /student No
Community 2 hours $3.00/student Yes
Pioneering 2 hours $3.00 /student Yes
Tracking 2 hours $3.00 /student Yes
Evening Activities
Mock Olympics 1 hour $2.00 /student Yes
Night Hike 1-2 hours $2.00 /student Yes
Campfire 1 hour $2.00 /student Yes
Winter Activities
Winter Survival 2 hours $3.00 /student Yes
Nordic Skiing 2 hours $8.00 /student Yes
Snowshoeing 2 hours $8.00 /student Yes
Snow Tubing 1 hour Free Yes
Snow Science 2 hours $3.00 /student Yes
Day Groups
If your school cannot come out for on overnight stay at Snow Mountain Ranch, we can offer you a Day Trip. Contact Tim
Anderson @ 970-887-2152 x4292 for questions!
14 YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain RanchFor each Outdoor Education group, one contact teach-
er is responsible to review the class schedule and make
copies for all group leaders prior to arrival. It is very
important to follow the itinerary provided from the
Outdoor Education Coordinator. Any changes need to
be approved by the Coordinator to ensure the proper
number of staff.
Students will be split up into groups of 15 or less. Each
group is labeled with a letter and/or name, unless you
prefer otherwise. It is always wise to have extra chaper-
ones that plan on staying back in the lodges in the
event of sick children.
Upon arrival, each school will go through an orientation before their first class at their designated meeting spot. At this
time teachers, administrators, and chaperones will all go through a short orientation as well. It is important that all
adults are present to hear this information.
Throughout your school’s Outdoor Education experience, it is important that your chaperones and teachers take their
responsibilities seriously. Discipline and behavioral issues are the responsibility of your school, not YMCA staff.
Our staff are trained to deal with minor issues, but will defer to your chaperones to deal with any major issues.
Medical and First Aid
All OED staff are CPR and First Aid certified. Minor First Aid problems are taken care of by staff. In the event of a more
major incident, they will be able to respond while 911 is being called and ambulances arrive. Middle Park Medical Cen-
ter is located about 5 miles away.
YMCA staff and Outdoor Education instructors are not allowed to distribute any medication. Medication distribution is
the responsibility of teachers, administrators, or the school nurse on site. It is also the school’s responsibility to have
any necessary medical forms.
Fire and Evacuation Procedures
1. In the case of a fire while in your lodges, calmly evacuate the building. Be sure to get a head count of students and
account for any missing students. Wait for instruction before returning to your lodges.
2. If students are out for one of their classes or not under your supervision and an evacuation has been called, bring ros-
ters and student information to a designated meeting spot. Instructors will bring all students back to the designated
meeting spot and start getting head counts. Evacuation will proceed with getting students onto buses or utilizing
YMCA vehicles to get students off grounds. If students or groups are missing, contact the Program Director or The Pro-
gram Building at ext. 4135.
Late Arrivals and No Shows for Classes
If your group shows up late, the class will continue to end at the scheduled time. Our staff may not be with your school
all day, so they need to stick to the schedule in order to prepare for their next class. Staff are allowed to leave the meet-
ing site if no contact has been made after a certain amount of time.
15 YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain RanchClass and Recreation Activities Form
School Name ____________________________________ Booking Number ____________________________________
Group Leader ____________________________________ Reservation Number ____________________________________
Dates of Trip ________________to __________________ Number of Students ________________ Grade _____________
Classes Recreation Breakfast 7:00-9:00am
Activities
Team Building Forest Ecology Swimming
Morning 8:30-10:30am AND
Archery Water Ecology Gym/Skating Classes 10:30am-12:30pm
Climbing Gold Rocks Mini-Golf Lunch 12:30-1:30pm
High Challenge Pioneering Fire Ring
Afternoon 1:30-3:30pm AND
Course
Classes
Orienteering Tracking Gym Only 3:30-5:30PM
Outdoor Living Snow shoeing Skating Only Afternoon 4:00-5:00 (substitute
Skills
Rec time second afternoon class)
Survival/Winter Night Hike
Survival Dinner 5:00-7:00pm
Zip-line Mock Olympics Night Class 7:00-8:30 pm Night Hike
Beaver Ecology Campfire or Rec time
8:30-9:00 pm Campfire
Below is a calendar week for you to decide where you want to have classes or recreation activities in.
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Morning 1
Morning 2
Afternoon 1
Afternoon 2
Night
The following is a list of questions that the Outdoor Education Director will ask you when you call to
schedule your classes and recreation activities:
1. What are the overall goals that you hope to achieve through your experience here at the YMCA of the
Rockies?
2. Are there specific academic standards you are trying to meet through our Outdoor Education program? If
so, what are they?
3. Will the information be new to the students or will they have already been over it in class?
16 YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain RanchDear Teachers and Chaperones,
Thank you so much for volunteering your time to be a part of these students’ outdoor experience! Experiences like this
would not be possible without passionate parents and teachers like you. The Outdoor Education Coordinator and staff
have compiled this information regarding behavioral expectations of the students while attending classes here at the
YMCA of the Rockies. We find that it works best to lead by example, so we hope that you understand these expectations
before your arrival. We appreciate your help in enforcing these expectations to help keep students safe and to ensure
the environment surrounding YMCA of the Rockies can be enjoyed for many years to come.
Elk, Moose and Wildlife: We have elk and moose on the grounds and the students will possibly encounter them during
their stay. Please have the students keep their distance, especially during fall (mating season), as the males can be very
aggressive. Enjoy viewing them, taking pictures, but please do not attempt to get close to them. During the warmer
months we have bears on grounds. If you come close to one, back away slowly and give the bear his space. Other ani-
mals you will see here on grounds are harmless, but we still recommend that you give them space.
Trail Etiquette: During classes, the instructor will be taking the students on many trails. Please encourage the students to
keep to the trails so as to lessen the impact on the environment. If chaperones can enforce this expectation during the
hours the students are not in class we would appreciate this also. Teacher at the front, teacher in the back!
Picking flowers and collecting: We know that the wildflowers are beautiful here, however, we ask that you refrain from
picking them. Some of these flowers take years to grow and we would like to see them for generations to come. Please
enjoy looking at their beauty, but leave them for the next person..
Litter: Under no circumstances should a student leave litter on the ground. Please ask them to take all litter and trash
with them when they are exploring. The instructor will be carrying a trash bag, so that if students see litter lying around it
would be wonderful if they could pick it up. It’s a lesson for life!!
Loud voices: A group of students can get awfully noisy. We would appreciate it if the chaperones could help in regulating
the noise level. This prevents the wildlife from being startled by our presence and is also a courtesy to the many other
guests staying at Snow Mountain Ranch. The quieter you are the more you’ll see. But we’re very aware that children are
energetic and excited, these are meant to be fun, educational hikes so we don’t expect TOTAL SILENCE!!
Adventure and Teambuilding Courses: We will be challenging students to work together and discover a great deal about
themselves while interacting with others. Please allow the kids to fail! Our staff are experienced professionals running
these programs and everything they do is for a reason. Part of the lesson is “failing forward”. Students are taught to learn
from their mistakes so that the next challenge during this class can be a success. As an adult observer, it may be difficult,
but please do not try to solve these challenges for them. They can do it!
Respect: Overall, we hope that all wildlife, plants, and people are respected during your Outdoor Education experience.
It can be very difficult if students are disruptive while instructors are trying to teach.
Again, thank you for taking the time to help supervise your students. Experiences like this could not be possible without
parents and teachers like yourselves. We thank you for taking the time to read the information on our expectations. We
look forward to having your school here and getting to know you!
Thank you for your cooperation,
Outdoor Education Department
17 YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain RanchPacking List
Our classes are conducted outdoors in the rain or shine, and it is essential that each student comes prepared for all types
of weather. We realize that it may be inconvenient to purchase the listed items, so we encourage you to borrow items
that you do not own.
We want your child to stay warm and dry while they’re on this trip. The weather in the mountains can change very quick-
ly. Being at high altitude and in the elements all day makes children tired. Being prepared for any type of weather en-
sures a happy experience. There are many times when classes are conducted through rain storms and snow! These
items listed are necessary for all seasons. Please label all your child’s belongings, this helps if items are lost.
ESSENTIALS:
• Day pack or book bag
• Warm coat or jacket
• Gloves or mittens
• Warm winter hat
• Shade hat
• Sweater or sweatshirts
• Sturdy shoes or hiking boots (recommend water proof for rain or snow)
• Extra pair of shoes-athletic, etc.
• Rainwear-jacket, pants or poncho
• Extra socks
• Change of clothes DO NOT BRING:
• Sleeping attire
• Money
• Long underwear
• Knives/weapons
• Water bottle- 2 liter bottles are great
• Matches
• Personal toiletries
• Cell Phone
• Sunglasses
• Candy and junk food
• Sunscreen
• Linens (YMCA provides towels and linens)
• Pencil and notebook
Optional:
• Flashlight
• Swimsuit (if swimming)
• Camera (disposable! Digital is NOT recommended)
• Book
18 YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch19 YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch
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